House style

Use a more-is-more approach for a celebratory feast

How to make your table decoration a talking point

ONCE THE TREE IS UP, the cards sent, the presents bought and the turkey ordered, you might think Christmas prep is pretty much done. But have you considered your table setting? Partly thanks to Instagram, the tablescape has become an art-form of late – one of which interior designer Natalia Miyar is a master. Here’s her advice for setting a table that is interesting and elegant – like the one she has designed here – while still looking festive:

‘There’s an electric energy in the house before a party, and I associate setting the table with that happy buzz. My sister gave me Martha Stewart’s first Christmas book in 1989, which showed a centrepiece of gilded natural objects inspired by the work of Grinling Gibbons. I was 14 and gilded everything in sight.

‘I never set the same table twice. I mix different china and crystal with decorative objects from around my house. I always have flowers and lots of candlelight, which makes everyone look beautiful; it’s the ultimate Insta filter.

‘One rarely sees a less-is-more approach to a Christmas table. A natural anchor – lots of pine, fir and berries – brings in the scent and texture of winter.

‘Christmas demands a little sparkle, so make sure there is something that glitters on the table, such as gilded pine cones. This gold glazed-linen tablecloth gives a subtle sheen.

‘I like to put something at each place setting – a little box filled with nuts, perhaps. This year my niece and nephews will each have a little woodland animal.

‘There’s something magical about sitting down to a beautiful table. You feel treated like a special guest and it makes everything look and taste better.’ nataliamiyar.com